Comfort food cravings often conjure visions of hearty Italian cuisine. With so many fresh, loaded pizzas and creamy pastas to choose from, leading a gluten-free lifestyle (whether out of necessity or preference) shouldn’t mean missing out on a family-style meal. Seattle’s crop of Italian ristorantes is known for serving up classic hospitality to gluten-eating and gluten-free crowds alike. Duck into any of these choice spots for your own saucy fix.
Radici | 314 2nd Ave S | 206-467-4541
Head to the heart of Pioneer Square for a GF-friendly Southern Italian dining experience. The restaurant works its family recipe magic on locally sourced produce, seafood, meats, and Seattle-made Manini’s gluten-free pasta. Order any of the lunch and dinner pasta entrees with Manini’s authentic spaghetti or rigatoni. Each dish comes bathed in homemade fixings, including red, cream, or meat sauce, pesto, wild mushroom ragu, and much more. Between these and Manini's exceptionally hearty and fresh gluten-free pasta, you won’t be sacrificing any of the savory Italian flavor you crave.
Palermo Pizza & Pasta | 2005 NW Market St and 350 15th Ave E | 206-297-2727 and 206-322-3875
The restaurant so nice they’re serving up a well-stocked menu twice. Diners on either end of the city can chow down on gluten-free creations in Capitol Hill or Ballard. Choose from four handmade thin-crust pizza crust options, including gluten-free, and even split a pie with a picky friend by ordering half-and-half toppings. Select gluten-free pastas are also available, and Palermo does its best to accommodate other dietary needs (including those of lactose intolerant and vegetarian guests).
Photo by Stephanie Forrer
La Vita E Bella | 2411 2nd Ave | 206-441-5322
Savory Sicilian meets Northwest fresh at this inviting Belltown dining room. Owner Giuseppe Forte personally shops for the freshest ingredients each week and incorporates them into extensive lunch and dinner menus featuring a variety of pastas, pizzas, salads, meat entrees, and all the classics. Many menu items can be made gluten-free upon request -- just ask your waiter about your options.
Pomodoro Ristorante Italiano | 2366 Eastlake Ave E | 206-324-3160
The perfect gluten-free date spot, Pomodoro is as romantic as it is flavorful. Enjoy a variety of gluten-free Mediterranean dishes including authentic Italian pastas and even Spanish tapas and entrees. Select plates feature a fresh daily seafood catch, so it’s always worth inquiring about GF-friendly specials.
